ANCC PMHNP Exam Prep Questions and Answers (2024 / 2025) (Verified Answers)

Mesocortical pathway - executive function: attention, focus, depression Nigrostriatal pathway - from substantia nigra (brainstem) to striatum (muscles): Parkinson's Mesolimbic pathway - projects to nucleus accumbens (part of limbic system). Pleasure, reward, positive symptoms of schizophrenia: Addiction, gambling Tuberoinfundibular pathway - regulation of prolactin (acts on pituitary). Hypersexuality in mania Dopamine - produced in substania nigra and VTA. D2 & D4 receptors most important. Elevated in the mesolimbic pathway associated with pleasure and psychosis. Antispychotics block dopamine. travels through mesocoritcal, mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and tuberinfundibular pathways Serotonin - 5-HT. produced in raphe nucleus. emotion, impulses